“We certainly feel that more people are turning to digital experiences and more are using Carousell to buy and sell, whether to make ends meet, to be able to afford what they need, to live more sustainably or simply to share their passions”
After being mostly grounded through the pandemic, many in Singapore are excitedly planning upcoming vacations via the recently launched Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme. But not Carousell co-founder and CEO Quek Siu Rui. “None of the countries we operate in currently have VTL schemes,” says Quek, entirely disregarding the notion of even going on holiday.
It is an apt reflection of his current headspace. For the past few years, it has been all systems go for Quek. In 2019, Carousell acquired online classified marketplaces Mudah.my in Malaysia, Cho Tot in Vietnam and OneKyat in Myanmar, cementing the company’s leading position in Southeast Asia in this e-commerce category. At the heart of it all is a deep-rooted ambition to, in Quek’s words, “make second hand the first choice”, as a way to reduce Man’s impact on the planet.
Carousell is already arguably Singapore’s most popular e-commerce marketplace, with one in three in the country signed up as users. The beauty of the platform lies in its practically encyclopedic range of products and services. Quirky finds, such as tarot card readings, purple McDonald’s packaging that was used for its tie-up with K-pop band BTS and canned Singapore air “sourced” from iconic locations the likes of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, ensure it is always entertaining to scroll through the app. But there are also true treasures to be uncovered—think authentic vintage bags and prosaic but useful services such as the transportation of bulky items.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Old-World CHARM
Professional photographer and content creator Zipeng Lee takes off to Switzerland to experience some of the country’s most storied heritage hotels
THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi
Renowned Noma chef René Redzepi and executive producer Matt Goulding unpack Apple TV's new eight-part docuseries, Omnivore, and its exploration of humanity through food
COURAGE OF CONVICTION
Tatler speaks to Bing Chen, Prabal Gurung and Kevin Lin to discuss how their non-profit Gold House is changing the future of the Asian diaspora
INDUSTRIALI
Exploring the important sustainability efforts taking place beyond obvious industries
THE BALL'S INHER COURT
China's most celebrated tennis star Li Na opens up about her career, influencing young athletes and her continuous learning journey
Love Story
Set in Paris, Graff's new bridal campaign marries the timelessness of love and diamonds
Over the Rainbow
The inspirations behind Hermés creative director for jewellery Pierre Hardy's latest and gorgeously colourful high jewellery collection surprise and delight
Twist and Turn
Bvlgari's debut Tubogas jewellery collection reimagines a classic technique with 16 stunning creations
Game On
From diamond‑set carabiner‑inspired clasps to a carbon fibre cuff, Chanel knocks it out of the park with Sport, an audacious and innovative high jewellery collection unlike any other
The Wrist Taker
Shipping scion and basketball team owner Hendi Widodo unlocks his vault of rarefied timepieces